I was disappointed in the negative and rather hostile letter from Chai Hicks re Federal and our endeavours to buy the Federal Church. I recall the meeting with the Cornucopia Muse group and Ms Hicks recollection is different to mine.
Yes we did oppose the development as it was presented in Ms Hicks letter. We did not reject the sustainable housing aspect but rather the impact the commercial component would have had on our village. Yes we want to preserve the village atmosphere and yes we are very glad our shop is now open again.
The thing that disturbed me about this project: it seemed to be looking like a gated community. Open space is a premium and the project that was envisaged would have changed the whole atmosphere of the village environment.
I would welcome people any time to live in this part of the world and also to appreciate and value what we have that is unique.
We are buying the church because of its historic importance to the village of Federal. Pioneers who came here over 100 years ago raised the funds and built the church. It has been a place of worship, family weddings, funerals etc for many of the existing families in Federal and surrounding hinterland. This is worth preserving.
Over much of Australia small villages are losing their identity and the Federal community has stepped up to make sure this will not happen here.
History is valuable and needs to be recorded. The Federal church is one such building that links the past to the present – and to our future. Rather than be exclusive we are asking people to become part of this venture and embrace the efforts of those before us and those working together today.
Rhonda Ansiewicz, Federal
